My January Beauty Wishlist

As I mentioned in my previous post; I have spent a lot of November, December and so far, all of January cooped up in my house. One week into 2016 and I am starting to get itchy feet and I am looking forward to venturing out. I have only added a few things into my diary and plan on keeping January pretty free but one thing that I want to do this month is stock up on some new beauty treats.

Well, if I'm going to be out and about I'll need a fresh face and a glossy head of hair won't I?!

Click the product you like the look of and it'll take you directly to the correct shop! 

                                                                                                     Happy Shopping! 

1. Nexus Youth Renewal Masque - This conditioner promises to give lacklustre hair a boost whilst adding volume and shine. Just what I need now that I dye my hair so often!

2. Green and Spring Indulgent Light Bath Oil - Bath times have become a new friend of mine. They are so good for tired muscles and for a bit of 'me time' and I'm loving the look of these beautiful oils! 

3. NATURA BISSE Essential Shock Intense Mask - I've seen lots of people talking about this mask and I am so ready to try it! I can't think of anything nicer than having a bath with a face mask on and sipping on a glass of wine! This mask is meant to perk you right up and give you a full on hydration boost to even the dullest face.

4. Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate - The day time version of the much coveted Midnight Recovery and promises to make you 'look more radiant and youthfully awakened in the day'. Sign me up... I definitely need this after all the Christmas boozing! 

5. NARS Blush in 'Unlawful' - This blush looks so, so nice. I am enjoying the minimal look at the moment with light blushes and nude lips and I think this blusher would be the perfect way to add a flush of colour to my cheeks.

6. Rimmel Kate Lasting Finish Nude Lipstick in '42' - Continuing with my love of the minimal look; I am loving the look of this peachy nude. Kimmel Lipsticks are such good value for money and I love how they apply/wear.

7. Paul & Jo Limited Edition Nail Polish - What a gorgeous bottle!! I live in black nail varnish all year round and I need to get my mitts on this Paul & Jo beauty! 

Have you tried any of these products? I love it when you guys give me recommendations and reviews! 

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My Top 6 Autumnal Lipsticks

I don't know if anyone else is the same but I tend to categorise my lipsticks by season. I am not rigid with this but I tend to love brights and pastels for summer and then as autumn and winter draws in; I reach for the berry, rich red and wine shades.

Previously during the colder months I have worn the standard maroon shades or pillar box reds but this year I have a few new additions and I love them so much I thought I'd share them with you. I am obsessed with the Kiko 'Nude Rose' lipstick - it's the perfect nude colour for me and I also can't get enough of the brick red colour of MAC's 'Chili'.

From left to right - 1. Lasting Finish by Kate Moss (Number 30) | 2. Kiko Velvet Mat - Satin Lipstick in Nude Rose | 3. Diego Dalla Palma Cashmere Mat Lipstick 'Number 194' | 4. MAC Lipstick in Chili | 5. Sleek Makeup True Colour Lipstick in Mulberry | 6. Clarins Joli Rouge in 716 

                                               What is your go-to lippy and have I tempted you to try any of my top 6?

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Barry M Summer '15 New Releases

The best parcel from Barry M dropped onto my door mat last week and I wanted to take pics asap and show you all what Barry M have recently launched.

I have yet to try any of these *summer '15 releases except for the nail varnishes but after posting a picture on my instagram (here) I was surprised to see how many of my readers didn't know Barry M stocked beauty products! With this in mind, I thought I'd take some photos and get them up onto the blog asap so that you can take a look and see if you fancy popping in to your local Boots or Superdrug and giving any of them a try. I will of course be trying these products out over the next few weeks and will let you know how I get on with them.

Eyeshine Palette -

• Launched 6th May in Superdrug / 13th May in Boots.
• 6 Jewel tone shadows with a glaze top coat to slick over the top to create dewy, glossy eyelids.
• £6.49 rrp

Make Me Blush Cream and Powders -

• Launched 6th May in Superdrug / 13th May in Boots.
• 3 fruity smelling cream blushes infused with Vit E in an easy-hold applicator. 
• 3 Make Me Blush powders to add a natural flush to your cheeks, highly pigmented for long lasting coverage.
• £4.49 rrp for the cream blushes / £3.99 rrp for the powder blushes. 

Flawless Concealer -

• Launched 6th May in Superdrug / 13th May in Boots.
• 3 lightweight fluid concealers that cover your blemishes and imperfections. Infused with cucumber and aloe extracts to soothe and revitalise the skin. 
• £4.49 rrp 

Brow Wow -

• Launched 6th May in Superdrug / 13th May in Boots.
• 2 Brow Wow Pencils perfect for defining and shaping your brows with a brush at one end.
• £3.99 rrp

Lip Boss -

• Launched 6th May in Superdrug / 13th May in Boots.
• 5 essential lip gloss shades with a high shine appearance that are beautifully scented.
• £4.49 rrp

Matte Me Up -

• Launched 6th May in Superdrug / 13th May in Boots.
• 5 amazing matte lip crayons including a bright pink called 'Model Behaviour', a perfect nude called 'Dress Rehearsal' and a gorgeous red called 'Make A Statement'.
• £4.99 rrp 

Speedy Nails Summer Collection + a new summer Gelly Hi Shine shade -

• Launched 6th May Superdrug / 13th of May in Boots.
• 6 new Speedy Nail colours with a quick dry formula and flat brush for easy application / a new summer Gelly Hi Shine shade which is a gorgeous pink called 'Sugar Plum'.
• £3.99 rrp for both the Speedy Nail and Gelly Hi Shine varnishes.

*PR samples

Have you guys tried any of these new products and what do you think of Barry M's beauty products? Are you a fan?

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Coming soon...

I am no professional MUA (Makeup Artist) and I have never had any training in how to apply the stuff. I do however LOVE makeup, I love applying it and wearing it. Many of you ask me on a daily basis for a break down of the products I wear and how I apply them SO in the next few weeks I will be working with a videographer (because I have NO clue at this stage how to film/do all that Youtube stuff) and we will be bringing you my daily makeup tips, what I regularly wear and new products that make their way into my makeup bag.

I hope this is the start of me uploading to Youtube more as I really want to expand my blog horizons this year and what better way than to get myself vlogging? I want to learn how to video myself and edit the footage and create mega slick Youtube vids!

How does that sound?

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Barry M SS15 Launches

Yesterday I attended a launch party hosted by Barry M and I had the chance to preview their new SS15 products. It's always a pleasure attending their events and getting a sneak peek at what they have in store for us. I thought seeing as they were so kind to gift me all their new products, I'd show you them all and give you some details about launch dates etc.

First up are the nine new Quick Dry varnishes from their new Speedy Nail Paint range which are launching in Superdrug on February 11th and Boots on the 18th. This is the first collection made with this fast drying formula and the brush is also newly designed so that it dispenses just enough polish onto your nail for precise application. Available in 9 different pastel shades and I currently have Pit Stop (grey) on which is probably my fave out of all of them. I pretty much exclusively use Barry M nail varnishes now a days. I love their colours, the way they go on when you apply them and you can't argue with a £2.99 price point!

Barry M Speedy Nail Paint collection from L-R: Full Throttle | Lap of Honour | Pole Position | Eat My Dust | In a Heart Beat | Pit Stop | Road Rage | Stop The Clock | Kiss Me Quick 

Three new Gelly Hi-Shine shades have also been added to their vast collection of Gelly Nail Paints and they are lovely shades for Spring time and the thicker gelly formula means these varnishes stay put for ages. You can also add their new Plumpy Topcoat on top to keep your colour protected and more of a professional gel finish. These will launch on February 11th in Superdrug and February 18th in Boots.

L-R: Barry M Plumpy Topcoat | Sky Blue | Cotton | Fondant

 If you are anything like me, the contouring craze has caught your eye but when it comes down to it, you have absolutely no clue how to achieve that perfect Kimmy K look. The new Barry M Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit might just help you get that perfect look because on the inside of the lid they have included a step by step diagram showing you where to apply each of the three shades. I've yet to try this kit but I am hoping that once I've mastered the technique I'll be able to go out and find myself a Kanye! This palette launches in Boots on February 4th & in Superdrug on the 11th February.

The Flawless Perfecting Powder is the item I am most looking forward to trying. I currently use Studio Fix Powder by Mac, but it's expensive and if I manage to get the same look with this powder I will definitely be swapping over. Available in three shades, this light weight powder comes in a mirrored compact and includes a little sponge for application. I tend to stick to using brushes for my make up application but the little sponges are good for when you're on the go I find. 

Barry M Flawless Matte Perfecting Powder in Medium.

Next up are these Gelly Hi Shine Lip crayons. They have launched two new colours and my personal fave is the taupe/nude colour called Orion. I have been using a lot of nudes on my lips recently and these glide on and give a dense slick of colour on your lips. The coral shade called Sigma is really punchy and will be lovely when the weather warms up.

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Lips
Top: Orion | Bottom: Sigma 

Finally they now have a White Bold Waterproof Eyeliner which is great for those who want to brighten up their eyes. I am glad to see it's waterproof as I really struggle with eye products on my water line. Unless they are waterproof, they make my eyes run and no one needs a teary looking Danie! This eyeliner and the two new lip colours will launch in Superdrug on the 11th of February and in Boots on the 18th of February. 

Barry M White Bold Waterproof Eyeliner  

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My Top 12 Lipsticks

A bold lip is one of my favourite things and I don't feel ready to face the day without a slick of colour on my lips.

I often get asked what my favourite brands are and seeing as I wear so many different colours, I thought I would put a post together to show you all.

Click on the lipsticks and you'll be directed to the correct website. (The only ones you cannot do this for are the Diego Dalla Palma 194 on row 2, Kiko Taupe on row 3 and Makeup Revolution Depraved on row 4)

One thing is for sure....I bloody love a selfie ;)

What do you think? What's your fave colour on me and have I tempted you to try out a new shade/brand?

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Pretty much the softest jumper you'll ever feel.

Hello gang!

So in amongst the craziness of moving back to London I have suddenly found the urge to do shit loads of outfit posts. I've been neglecting the blog and myself generally because I am so focused on the moving and everything associated with it but I've recently acquired lots of fab clothes and accessories so I wanted to show you all my goodies.

Today I wore the WORLDS SOFTEST JUMPER. This jumper is from Tesco and was super cheap and Mum actually picked it up for me whilst doing the weekly shop. I find Tesco clothing comes up a little small so I always size up. Mum chose a 22 for me and I think it's spot on. It's a boxy jumper and some might say it's not the most flattering but.....erm, I don't really care. It also comes in black and pink and you can see it here.

I wore this fluffy delight over my *Daisy print swing dress from Topsy Curvy. I sized up with this dress as it comes up quite small. It's definitely the sort of dress you wear over thick leggings or tights. You might show your lady bits if you bent over you see.

The necklace is a recent purchase from Topshop and it's rather sweet I think. My collection of pink things is steadily growing and this is the perfect addition. You can take a look at it here if you want to that is.

The tan high heeled brogues are from Clarks last year and I am still trying to break them in...not gunna lie, they aren't that comfy at the moment. I bought them because I am addicted to the ones from Office and when I saw these I thought they were great dupes. Hopefully the get better once they are broken in!

Finally a look at my makeup for today. I have been wearing this Chanel lippy every day. It's so soft on my lips and the colour is so vivid. It's called 'La Diva' and you can see it here.

I think I might live in this jumper. Seriously, go to Tesco and grope it.
Hope you are all having a good week and that you have a FABULOUS weekend.

*This dress was gifted to me for review

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Marble Mohair

Look at this furry delight! This vintage mohair jacket was another eBay purchase and I'm bloody happy with it! Theres always that worry when you buy off eBay that when the item arrives, you'll hate it and be lumped with it because the seller doesn't offer the chance to return. It's always so exciting though, you never know what you're really going to get even if they have taken a zillion photos of it.

It was pure joy when I saw this cardie though. It's huge and fluffy and pink and the appliqués are hilarious! Who doesn't love a silky flower with a wooden, beaded centre on their cardigan? I stupidly didn't take a picture of the back, but there is a huge one on the back. Now, sometimes I find mohair can be a bit itchy, but this handmade gem has a lining in it which stops that from being an issue. It's so warm and snuggly...I can tell I am going to live in this this spring, it'll be a great coat substitute and as I plan on living in pastels this season, I'm sure the cardie will go with lots of my outfits.

The dress is from ASOS and their Smock Dresses have been very popular with us fatties as their sizes are very generous. This is from their main range and is a UK18. I could easily wear a UK16 though. Sadly the 18 has sold out online but you can take a look at the dress here and see if you think you can get away with a 16 or below. They have heaps of swing dresses and smock dresses available in their main range that are available in an 18 or you can take a look at their Curve section which offer sizes 18+

I accessorised this outfit with my trusty rose gold brogues from New Look that are sadly unavailable now. The ring and jewel pendant are both from Accessorize and I've worn my Diego Dalla Palma lipstick in 'Rossetto - Sorbet Lipstick' from M&S. They don't seem to have that colour anymore when I look on their site, which makes me think it was a limited edition but Sleek do a dupe called 'Peaches and Cream' available here.

Are you guys frequent eBay users or do you never think to use the site? I'd recommend having a browse as they have EVERYTHING and I buy a lot of my statement necklaces and plus size dresses from there. They always have heaps of ASOS Curve garments on there.

Hope you are having a fab weekend, Lots of love.

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Zippy

I've had a bit of a tracksuit and hoody kind of week this week, hence no outfit posts but I went all out today!! As you can see from the photos, I troweled on the makeup, put a pretty dress on and straightened the locks. I instantly had a better day today as well. It's mad how as soon as I put some effort into my appearance I feel instantly better and more positive about everything.

I've had this dress for a while and I've been meaning to wear it but I kept putting it off. I saw it hanging in the wardrobe and I knew today was the day to whack it out. It's from Very and, although the fabric is utter shite, I like the print, style and length on me. It's that kind of tacky material that if you went near a naked flame you'd instantly go up in smoke. I love the autumnal, digital floral print and the zip running down the front of it. I thought I'd mix it with my leopard print coat. Pretty full on, but I'm no wall flower so we cool.

This dress goes up to a UK24 and I got my usual size but I'd say it comes up pretty big, especially in the bust area so if you are a 26 I reckon you could get into it.

I'm wearing a new lippy today, it's Rouge Buzz from Bourjois and I love the tangerine colour. It's a nice rich glossy lipstick and although I'm not wearing it with a lip liner, it hasn't bled which is good. I think I will take a look at the other colours in the collection when I am next in Boots.

I've had these brogues for a lonngg time but they are from Clarks and super comfy! 

What do you think to wearing this much colour in winter? Do you prefer an all black ensemble or do you go for it like I have in this outfit?

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Sleek Brow Kit review

In the past I haven't done anything to my brows. They have been the same shape for as long as I can remember and I only pluck the strays in the centre to stop me from having a mono brow and the odd stray ones underneath.

As part of my make up routine, I have always just swept clear mascara over them to tidy them up and set them in place. This previously had always been good enough for me. I have steered clear of getting them tinted, threaded, shaped, waxed and just simply kept them as the bushy beasts they are. I like how they frame my face and I like them to be a strong feature.

I had noticed a fair few brow products on the market and although I'd seen reviews of them and thought they looked great, I'd not tried any myself. This all changed when I was in Superdrug the other day and I spotted the Sleek Brow Kit and decided to take the plunge!

I chose the 'Dark' kit and I can happily say it's the perfect shade for me. They do 'Light', 'Dark', 'Extra Dark' and 'Black'. Included in the set is some setting powder, shaping wax, an angled brush, a blending brush and a mini set of tweezers.

Now, you might read my way of doing things and be like 'erm, Danie why are you doing it that way?' but to be honest.... that isn't my problem ha ha. I've found a way I like using the kit and it's perfect for me and the effect I'm going for.

Firstly I still like to sweep my brows with a clear mascara. I use a cheap and cheerful one from Seventeen. This sets them in place and allows me to see what shape I'm working with. You can use the tweezers at this stage to neaten them up if you spot any strays. I don't love any of the brushes that the set comes with, but they will do until I can afford to treat myself to some better ones.

After the mascara has dried, I then like to use the powder, on the angled brush to create the desired shape that I like. Now, I've seen on other reviews and even the Sleek Makeup site that they suggest you use the wax and then the powder but for some reason I like to use them the other way round. Once I have used the angled brush to draw an outline around the brow, I then fill in the brow with some of the powder. You can use as much or as little as you like to build up the desired look.

Once I have filled the brow in with powder, I then set the hair with the shaping wax. Again, everyone else does it the other way round but I love how mine turn out doing it this way so I shall stick to what I l know. I use the shaping wax with the blending brush and sweep it across my entire brow. The wax slicks the hairs down and voila... they are done.

I love, love, love this kit and it's going to be a staple in my routine from now on. I think the price of £8.49 is great as I can't see it running out any time soon.

What do you use on your eyebrows guys? Do you use a kit like this? Maybe you use the pricier version from Benefit called Brow Zings?

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